Potapenko will not return until December. Catherine Steenkeste/NBAE/Getty

Potapenko, who Sonics Coach Nate McMillan admitted after the injury had earned the team's starting job at center, was injured during the third quarter of the Sonics 91-87 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers Friday, their preseason finale, when Blazers forward Ruben Patterson hit his hand.

The injury's timing is disappointing, as Potapenko had enjoyed a strong training camp and preseason to win back the starting job he held at the end of last season. In six preseason games, five of them starts, Potapenko averaged 7.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game.

In Potapenko's absence, McMillan said over the weekend that he plans to start backup center Jerome James, who started 24 games at center a year ago. Forwards Nick Collison and Danny Fortson will also see time in the middle in small lineups, and 18-year-old rookie Robert Swift, who averaged 23. points and 2.3 rebounds per game during the preseason, may also see time in the rotation.

The NBA's deadline to set Opening Day rosters is this afternoon at 3 p.m. The Sonics have 14 players on the roster and will need to place at least two players, one of them Potapenko, on the injured list. It is also possible that the team may add a free-agent center to the roster to help replace Potapenko.

Stay tuned to SUPERSONICS.COM this afternoon for the scoop as the Sonics finalize their roster.